Tradition on the way out

Jill Burston for Brides designer and fitter Jocelyn Fairbairn shows off a Brides Desire Gossamer style dress with corded metallic laces and feathers and Swarovski crystals. A traditional white dress, accompanied by a veil, is still the top pick for brides-to-be.Tony Martin

CONVENTIONS are being challenged and traditions will be tossed aside during this year's wedding season.

From the food to the vows, the setting and even the theme, the fundamental nature of weddings is changing, allowing flexibility and convenience for couples.

Although contrary to popular trends elsewhere, dress designer and fitter for Jill Burston for Brides Jocelyn Fairbairn said many Mackay brides were opting for traditional white dresses.

There had been a revival in vintage looking dresses, with more brides choosing a grandiose look, preferring the default wedding colours, Ms Fairbairn said.

"They've brought out a champagne colour; it's got a very soft salmon pink tone to it. It's a very vintage colour," she said.

Lucy Dillon for Brides and Crafty Cat owner Lucy Dillon said couples considered their bank balance and were going for home-made. "People and family members are doing their own cupcakes and cakes, they seem to have a lot more confidence to do those things now," she said.

"The invitations have changed, they're a lot more complex," Ms Dillon said.

There was definitely a big focus on making the wedding stand out, digital manager of Easy Weddings Samantha Amjadali said.

"It's all about personalisation and ensuring the day is about the bride and groom, their tastes and their styles," she said.

The salient changes in traditions included the shift in the popularity of church weddings to civil ceremonies.

"It's the whole notion of catering for modern life; civil ceremonies would give you a lot more freedom," Ms Amjadali said.

Veils have also become a favoured bridal accessory, with Kate Middleton sporting one at her wedding to Prince William.

"Veils are definitely making a comeback, everything from the short, elegant blusher veils to the long, flowing ones."